Celebrating the life of
Deacon Floyd Sherman Pitts

Floyd was born July 20, 1931, in Porter, Oklahoma from the union of Jesse Elec
Pitts and Beatrice Bonds Pitts. He was the youngest of eight children (also
known as the Big Eight). His parents instilled early in his life many of the values
he carried into adulthood including a love of God, quest for higher education and
an entrepreneurial spirit. After graduating high school, he joined the Air Force
serving in the Korean War. Upon his discharge he relocated to Detroit, Michigan
to attend the Electronics Institute of Detroit trade school. While in Detroit, Floyd
met Inez Gabriel whom he married in 1954. Family played a pivotal role in their
union, from how they first met, having been introduced by their respective family
member, to bonding over having lots of siblings. Floyd and Inez went on to have
seven children of their own.
After completing school, Floyd and Inez left Detroit with the intention to settle in
California, where two of Floyd's sisters resided. They stopped in Wichita, Kansas
to work for a time and save money for the planned California relocation. Plans
have a way of changing however, and the couple settled in Wichita, making it
their home for 66 years.
Floyd put his electrical studies to use in working as a TV repairman and then for
Boeing. However, with Floyd's entrepreneurial spirit burning strong he left Boeing
and went into real estate. Floyd was the owner of Pitts Realty for many decades.
After population declines in Wichita in the late 1980's made for difficult years in
the real estate industry, Floyd returned to work at Boeing. Floyd's quest for
education led him to complete his Bachelor of Science from Friends University at
the age of 59.
Retirement did not stop his quest for knowledge. He often monitored classes at
Wichita State University. Floyd enjoyed discussing the courses with his then
college age grandchildren. In addition, Floyd made use of spare time in
retirement by substitute teaching for Wichita Public Schools.
Floyd's other endeavors included being a founding member of a local VFW post
and he was a dedicated member of American Legion Post 273. Some of his
favorite pastimes included playing bid whist, dominoes, and listening to music.
Floyd was especially fond of Tina Turner and Ray Charles. He delighted in
reading biographies of current and former presidents. His favorite poet was
Robert Frost whose poems he encouraged his children to recite.
Floyd accepted Christ at an early age. His final church home was Stranger's
Rest where he was a member for over 25 years. He was ordained a Deacon
under Pastor Earl Burkhalter in December 2004.

Preceding his death were his parents, daughter Deborah Yvonne Butcher.
granddaughter Sara Pitts; siblings Vonya Johnson, Velma McCann, Naomi Leroy,
Lavada Duncan, Lydia Elliott, Laura Belle McCann, and Jesse Pitts.

Floyd leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 69 years Inez Gabriel Pitts, and
Brother-in-law Charles (Marsha) Gabriel.
Children: Lydia (Leon) Sneed, Michael (Patricia) Pitts, Floyd (Olevia) Pitts Jr,
Harold (Gloria) Pitts, Delisa (Thaddeus) Smith, Carmen (Gene) Butler.

Grandchildren: Sidney (Taren) Butcher, Jocelyn (Eric) Lane, Angela Butcher,
Marcus Sneed, Kenton (Shannon) Sneed, Victoria (Robert) Tallie, Jessica Smith,
Christina Pitts, Taylor Smith, Floyd Pitts III and Grant Butler.

Great grandchildren: Eva and Naomi Lane, Avery and Addison Butcher, and
Amirah Hilaire.

He was eager to meet his sixth great grandchild expected this fall.
In addition, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Casket Bearers
Sidney Butcher, Marcus Sneed, Kenton Sneed, Floyd Pitts III and Robert Tallie.
Flower Bearers
Jocelyn Lane, Angela Butcher, Victoria Tallie, Jessica Smith, Christina Pitts and
Taylor Smith